Name: Cologne Cathedral
Item: Cologne Cathedral
Author: RealGermanExperience

Begun in 1248, the construction of this Gothic masterpiece took place in several stages and was not completed until 1880. Over seven centuries, successive builders were inspired by the same faith and a spirit of absolute fidelity to the original plans. Apart from its exceptional intrinsic value and the artistic masterpieces it contains, Cologne

Cathedral testifies to the enduring strength of European Christianity.

Cologne Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Cologne, Germany. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne and of the administration of the Archdiocese of Cologne.

Cologne Cathedral is an exceptional work of human creative genius.

Constructed over more than six centuries Cologne Cathedral marks the zenith of cathedral architecture and at the same time its culmination.

Cologne Cathedral is a powerful testimony to the strength and persistence of Christian belief in medieval and modern Europe.

Cologne Cathedral is a building of superlatives that is the centre and hallmark of this city on the Rhine. The cornerstone of this Gothic cathedral was laid on the Feast of the Assumption of Mary on 15 August 1248. The previous building was apparently no longer deemed impressive enough to house the remains of the Three Wise Men, which Archbishop Rainald von Dassel had brought to Cologne from Milan after the latter city was conquered in 1164. Because of these relics, the cathedral became one of the most important places of pilgrimage in Europe. Its two massive towers have dominated the city’s skyline since their completion in 1880. At 157.38 metres, the northern tower is 7cm taller than the southern one.

In 1996, the cathedral was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List of culturally important sites.

Opening hours:

Open daily

November – April / 06:00 – 19:30
Mai – October / 06:00 – 21:00

The Tower climb

Opening hours:

January – February / 9:00 – 16:00 hours
March – April / 9:00 – 17:00 hours
May – September / 9:00 – 18:00 hours
October / 9:00 – 17:00 hours
November – December / 9:00 – 16:00 hours

Admission charge:

Adults / EUR 4,00
Family-Card / EUR 8,-
reduced (schoolchildren, students, handicapped persons with passes) / EUR 2,-
combined entrance treasure chamber / tower / EUR 8.-
reduced combined entrance treasure chamber / tower / EUR 4.-
Family-Card: combined entrance treasure chamber / tower / EUR 16.-

(You will find the entrance of the tower outside the cathedral, next to the main entrance, on the right handside)

Guided tours in English:

Monday -Saturday
10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Sunday and Feastday
2:30 p.m.
Meeting Point: Main portal, inside

Adults: 7,00 Euro
Children and Students: 5,00 Euro
In case of special events short term changes are possible.

How to get there

It is easy to reach Cologne Cathedral either by car or by public transport (stop “Dom/Hbf”).
The cathedral is situated right next to the central railway station (Hbf.)

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